Determining Effectiveness of an mHealth Intervention to Provide Adolescent CBT

In this pilot project, Washington University will start to evaluate CBot-A, a promising mHealth therapeutic intervention designed to deliver cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) through an app on a phone or other mobile device. The evaluation will include a randomized trial among 40 adolescents diagnosed with depression and/or anxiety and will assess if CBot-A is usable by teens and likely to provide benefit, and acceptable to adolescents.

The primary outcome of depression and anxiety symptoms in adolescents will be assessed at 1 month and 3 months to check for any changes.

Inclusion criteria

Adolescents 12-17 years of age and diagnosed with a major depressive disorder (MDD) and/or generalized anxiety disorder by their primary care provider within the past 3 months.

Exclusion criteria

Adolescents with the following conditions (identified by parental report) will be excluded:

• Participated in formal CBT within the past 12-months
• Diagnosed with severe depression
• Diagnosed with the following anxiety disorders - obsessive-compulsive disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, panic disorder, or specific phobias
• A psychiatric hospitalization in the previous month
• With significant comorbidities such that the PCP would refer to a mental health professional for treatment, including those with a substance use disorder or a psychotic illness.
• Are not accompanied by a guardian to the diagnostic visit
• Without access to a mobile device (cell phone or tablet) for regular use
• Unable to read and write English
• Participants may also be excluded at the discretion of the PI.